: The city is replacing the main water pipes in our area and isn't finished the work as yet. Everything was fine until yesterday when I turned on the washing machine in the basement. Orange water came out. The same colour water is in the toilet. The water pressure is very low in the bathroom sink. I cleaned the hose leading to the washing machine and it was completely plugged with sparkle-like bronze/copper colour sediment. Same with the plastic tubing in the back of the toilet. I called the contractor who said since they weren't working on anything that day it couldn't be the work they were doing and it must be our plumbing. We have a 50 year old house with galvanized pipes. No copper anywhere. We let the water run continuously for hours and it seems to be clear but I'm afraid it could just appear again. Do you think it has anything to do with the replace of our main water supply pipes. We have temporary hoses coming into the house. Thanks for any help you can give.

Brian,Anytime water is shut off in an older home, you stand the chance of breaking loose old crud. (old crud) a plumbing term for the yucky stuff that coats the inside of old galvanized pipes. There is not much you can do, if they turn the mains on and off.On your lav faucet, you may want to remove the aerator and clean it. Terry Love